Not only did he have high praise for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide – as most coaches have to this point – he admitted that they are alone ‘at the top’, and that it was ‘up to the rest of [the SEC] to go get them.’
While the rest of his answer was vague at best, he was certain to make it clear that he knew how massive a giant Alabama still is. Ironically, he was a part of the giant himself at one point and reminded us of that when speaking of wide receiver Antonio Callaway.
He compared Callaway to two former wide receivers he had previously coached: Deion Branch of Louisville (12-year NFL Veteran), and Julio Jones of Alabama (4-time Pro Bowler in 6 seasons).
He highlighted Julio’s work ethic, how hard he used to practice, and how often he would be practicing then compared it to Callaway’s attitude in spite of the possible suspension he is facing.
“I’m talking about as soon as you walked through the gate, man, it was on. Antonio is one of those guys. He just loves to play the game.”
With the pick up of Notre Dame transfer quarterback, Malik Zaire, the Florida Gators’ offense could be set up for one of its best seasons in years. However, while they have a good running back in Jordan Scarlett, they will need their threat on the outside. If Antonio Callaway is forced to miss too many games things could get more difficult for Florida.
Even in just their first four games they have three tough match-ups with the likes of Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky. A new and improved quarterback won’t mean much if he has nobody elite to get the ball to against an elite defense.
McElwain’s press conference was shorter than anybodies’ so far, in part to the infamous shark image being brought up once again, souring his mood.
They will try to once again land a trip to Atlanta in early December for another opportunity to overcome the kings of the mountain. To unseat the kings, however, they will need an offense to go along with their excellent defense.
Jake Weaver is a lead writer for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
